Lille OSC has officially begun their pre-season preparations, with players reporting back for duty on Monday. The squad, fresh off a demanding 2024-2025 season that saw them play 51 matches and qualify directly for the Europa League, started with indoor medical tests at the Domaine de Luchin to beat the heat.
Seventeen players were present for the initial sessions, including key figures like André, Bentaleb, and Diakité, along with returning loanees and promising youth prospects. Notably, Tiago Santos is on the comeback trail after a serious knee injury, and summer signing Marius Broholm was also among the group.
New Faces and Anticipated Arrivals
Belgian goalkeeper Arnaud Bodart, 27, formerly of Metz, was on hand and is set to become Lucas Chevalier’s backup. Several international players, including Mandi, Gudmundsson, Meunier, and Haraldsson, are expected to join the squad on Tuesday.
The status of Edon Zhegrova, who hasn’t played since December due to a groin operation, remains unclear, though he is reportedly seeking a move away from the club. Ethan Mbappé is also recovering from a hamstring operation.
Read: Wenger Warns Lille, Giroud Needs Quality Support to Shine
The most anticipated arrival, however, is that of veteran striker Olivier Giroud. The 38-year-old, who played his final match for Los Angeles FC on Sunday, is expected in Lille on Tuesday or Wednesday. He will be formally introduced to the media and his new teammates shortly thereafter.
Giroud expressed his excitement about returning to Ligue 1 after a 13-year absence. “I’m returning to a championship I left thirteen years ago. Like Paul Pogba. If you had asked me a few years ago, I never would have said my plan was to come back,” he shared during his farewell.
“This club [Lille] has done things for me and my family. I am very excited and I hope to help the team as a leader on and off the pitch, with the young players, the management. Lille is a great club in France, a top 5.”
Following his official signing, Giroud will take a short vacation before rejoining the squad for full training in approximately three weeks, ready to contribute his experience and leadership to Bruno Genesio’s team.
